Ruaha (Tanzania) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ruaha | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 20,226 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | August to October | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ruaha | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you hope to see African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in June to July and December to March
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see black rhino, wildebeest and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ruaha or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ruaha is stronger in October to November. Serengeti is stronger in June to July and December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Ruaha: August to October. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.